In an unexpected move that has taken Bluey fans by surprise, a secret episode of the beloved Australian cartoon titled “The Surprise” was released unbeknownst to viewers around the world. This comes amid growing concerns among parents and fans that the series could be coming to an end, sparked by recent developments in the show’s storyline.
“The Surprise,” which aired on Sunday morning Australian time without any prior announcement or inclusion in television listings, is part of the Emmy-winning series that follows the adventures of Bluey, a playful puppy, and her family, the Heelers. Unlike typical broadcasts, the episode was not advertised on streaming services or television guides. Instead, Australia’s ABC network, which airs the show locally, chose to air a rerun according to the published television guides, only to surprise viewers with the new episode.
Libbie Doherty, head of children and family at ABC, explained that the decision to keep the episode a secret was deliberate, aiming to provide a pleasant surprise for the fans. Doherty highlighted that the essence of Bluey’s appeal lies in its ability to consistently surprise its audience, a sentiment the network wanted to encapsulate by unexpectedly dropping “The Surprise.”
In the episode, viewers are treated to a captivating new adventure where Bluey and her sister, Bingo, challenge their dad to juggle two different games simultaneously, showcasing the creativity and mischief that have endeared the show to fans worldwide.
This surprise release occurred just a week after a significant episode titled “The Sign” aired globally. The episode, which was four times the length of a standard Bluey episode, involved the Heelers putting their house up for sale, leading to widespread speculation about the potential end of the series. This speculation was further fueled by a marketing stunt that listed the Heeler family home for sale in the real estate pages of the Sydney Morning Herald. Headlines such as “Is this the end of Bluey?” began circulating, causing alarm among the fanbase.
However, Bluey producer Sam Moor quickly addressed these concerns in an interview with the BBC’s Today programme, reassuring fans that the show was far from over. Moor teased that the team has numerous surprises in store for the audience, indicating an exciting future for the series.
Fueling the excitement, Joe Brumm, the creator of Bluey, hinted at the possibility of exploring longer formats following the positive reception of “The Sign.” Brumm expressed interest in potentially creating a Bluey movie, seeing the recent extended episode as a litmus test for fan interest in longer narratives.
Bluey has seen phenomenal success since its debut, becoming the second-most-watched show in the US last year, with over 20 billion minutes streamed on Disney+ in the US alone. This represents nearly one-third of all TV views on the platform for the year. The show is broadcast in more than 60 countries, indicating its wide-reaching appeal and the universal themes it explores through the playful and relatable experiences of the Heeler family.
In the wake of the surprise episode’s release, fans worldwide can now view “The Surprise” on ABC iView in Australia and Disney+ in the UK and US, ensuring that viewers can catch up with the latest from Bluey and her family, regardless of their location.
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